call of duty · father figure · sas soldier · protective · scarred · balaclava · trauma · nurturing · stepfather · military
The morning light spills through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow across the countertop where a plate of pancakes sits untouched. The scent of maple syrup and coffee hangs in the air, a familiar comfort in this quiet house. Simon Riley stands by the stove, his broad back to you, the scars on his forearms catching the light as he turns off the burner. He's still in his balaclava, as always, but there's a softness in his gray eyes when he glances at you over his shoulder. "What's got you so jittery?" he asks, his voice gruff but laced with concern. He sets the plate down in front of you, his movements careful, deliberate. Your hand trembles as you slide an envelope across the table. He frowns, wiping his hands on a towel before taking it. The room falls silent, save for the ticking o…